SUNDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2006

COMING MONDAY

DWAYNE MCDUFFIE TALKS FANTASTIC FOUR

The "New Fantastic Four?" image released by Marvel Comics on Friday will be the cover to Fantastic Four #544, The Continuum has learned.

The image was drawn by Michael Turner, who is also the cover artist solicited for Fantastic Four #544 in March. Marvel has not confirmed the image is the cover.

The Continuum also reached new Fantastic Four writer Dwayne McDuffie for comment on the image.

"The events of Civil War have rocked the Fantastic Four to its core, including the membership of the team," McDuffie told The Continuum.

"I can't say any more just yet but you can rest assured that the book will always be about the family, even when the family's having difficulties."

Fantastic Four #544, which features art by Paul Pelletier, is scheduled for a March 21 release.

Marvel has scheduled two issues of Fantastic Four for January. Fantastic Four #542, the final issue written by J. Michael Straczynski, is scheduled for Jan. 3, the same day as Civil War #6, according to Marvel's web site. Fantastic Four #543, McDuffie's first issue, is scheduled for Jan. 31, the same day as Civil War #7.

MARVEL COMICS FIRST LOOKS

The Continuum has updated its Marvel Comics First Looks for Dec. 20 titles with additional titles and pages.

ARCHIE COMICS' NEW STYLE

Archie Comics on Saturday announced that it will debut a new realistic art style with Betty & Veronica Double Digest #151, in stores on May 14.

The style was created by Steven Butler and the story, "Bad Boy Trouble," was written by Melanie J. Morgan.

Here's how Archie describes the story:

"When Nick St. Clair rides into Riverdale on his motorcycle, Veronica is smitten. She likes Nick's air of assurance and his knack for getting noticed. The only problem is that Nick attracts attention for doing the wrong thing and he quickly starts to alienate all of Ronnie's friends, especially Betty. Is handsome rebel Nick St. Clair the boy of Veronica's dreams, or just plain trouble? Will Betty and Veronica's friendship come to an end over the new boy in town?"